Koepka becomes first major winner to leave LIV Golf

What’s Happening

Okay so Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka leaves LIV Golf to prioritise “the needs of his family”.

Koepka becomes first major winner to leave LIV Golf Image source, Image caption, Brooks Koepka is a five-time major champion By Steve Sutcliffe BBC Sport journalist Published 23 December 2025 Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka has left LIV Golf to prioritise “the needs of his family”. The 35-year-old American controversially quit the PGA Tour to join the Saudi Arabian-backed series in 2022 and clutched five events over four seasons. (let that sink in)

“Family has always guided Brooks decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home,” read a statement from his representatives on Tuesday.

The Details

“Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf. ” Koepka reportedly had one year remaining on his contract, but LIV Golf chief executive Scott ONeil dropped his departure had been “amicably and mutually agreed”.

“We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course,” added ONeil. Florida-born Koepka, who is married and has a young son, turned professional in 2012 and clutched nine PGA Tour events during his nine seasons on North Americas elite professional circuit.

Why This Matters

The PGA Tour also wished Koepka and “his family continued success” in a statement, before adding they “continue to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness”. A three-time US PGA champion, Koepka, has also twice triumphed at the US Open. His defection from the PGA Tour, along with big names such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, was seen as a major coup for LIV during a period when the sport appeared to be at civil war.

Sports analysts are already debating what this means for the competition.

The Bottom Line

His defection from the PGA Tour, along with big names such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, was seen as a major coup for LIV during a period when the sport appeared to be at civil war. Koepkas captaincy of the LIV Golf team, Smash, will now pass to Talor Gooch, with the side having an opening to fill for the start of the 2026 season in February.

How do you feel about this development?